Southfield City Council Passes I had been in the company“ of homosexual men Non-Discrimination Ordinance and women (since being a) teenager. It was familiar and Nagging Questions Behind completely normal. 6th Circuit Marriage Cases – Patrick Stewart, pg. 14 ”
SWEET HOMO ALABAMA Another State Closer To Marriage Equality – Get With The Program, Michigan!
WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM JAN. 29, 2015 | VOL. 2305 | FREE 2 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com COVER STORY 9 Nagging questions behind 6th We’ve gotten smarter in our organizing. I Circuit marriage cases Photo: Associated Press think we have the best coalition that we’ve ever
I had been in the company“ of homosexual men Southfield City Council Passes and women (since being a) Non-Discrimination Ordinance teenager. It was familiar and completely normal. had with activists from the LGBT community, Nagging Questions Behind – Patrick Stewart, pg. 14 ” 6th Circuit Marriage Cases with allies, with business folks, with folks from academia and folks from public policy.
– State Sen. Rebekah Warren, pg. 6 SWEET HOMO ALABAMA Another State Closer To Marriage Equality – Get With The Program, Michigan! FREE JAN. 29, 2015 | VOL. 2305 |
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6 Gay marriage case may affect 2014 / 2015 discrimination, religion bills 7 Political hors doeuvres 8 Couple behind Ala. gay marriage case grateful for ruling 12 Discrimination continues in states with marriage equality OPINION 10 Parting Glances 10 Schuette’s cowardly plea to discriminate Learn More About This Pick Up Your Copy Of The 11 Creep of the Week Submit Your Photos For The ‘Pamper Your Pet’ IssueYOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Week’sPinpoint Cool your City: ad dollars Ann Arbor where Pride Source Yellow Pages LIFE Accessthey will the do online the most Cool good City . . . Pick up the latest Pride Source 14 The perfect match Submit your best photos of your furry, feathered and scaled friends pages at Pridesource.com to Yellow Pages at our drop sites in costume or clothing and we’ll feature them in the upcoming Advertise in the next Cool Cities 17 Feeling the folk in Ann Arbor learn about upcoming events, throughout southeast Michigan. Spring Pet issue of Between The Lines. Send photos to Shelby@ TOfeatured PLACE ANadvertisers AD CALL 734.293.7200and new Don’t forget! You can also 18 UM student’s car-bike hybrid at Pridesource.com. Detroit Auto Show community news. access the directory anytime 20 Happenings online at Pridesource.com. 21 Hear Me Out 25 Deep Inside Hollywood 26 Puzzle
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Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Copyright 2015 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Staff Writers made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for AJ Trager, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 3 Conference Will Discuss Safe Schools ROCHESTER - With a goal to create more supportive and inclusive educational environments for LGBT individuals, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Initiative of Oakland University’s School of Education and Human Services will host the fourth annual Michigan SOGI Education Conference. The event, to be held on Feb. 6 at the Auburn Hills Marriott at 3600 Centerpoint Parkway in Pontiac, will feature expert presentations; roundtable discussions; instruction on the best practices for integrating SOGI initiatives of safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and administrators regardless of identity into school and work; and ongoing networking opportunities. “This may be our best lineup of presenters yet. We have drawn presenters from across the country,” said Dr. Timothy Larrabee, associate professor and director of the SOGI Initiative Taskforce. “At the same time, we have not lost our local focus. The Southeast Michigan chapter of GLSEN is back to discuss starting and maintaining gay-straight alliances. We will hear from students in Novi. Experts from University of Michigan-Dearborn, Wayne State University and Michigan State University will be here. We will also discuss the intersections of SOGI issues with race, religion, health and education.” Keynote speaker, Kris Hermanns, will deliver her address, “The New Frontier: Ensuring Safe Schools for all LGBT Students.” Hermanns, a self- described “country girl from Wisconsin,” has over 20 years of nonprofit and managing experience, including many years spent as the deputy director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Hermanns is currently the executive Southfield City Council Meeting on Monday, Jan. 26 (BTL photo/AJ Trager) director of Pride Foundation, a regional community foundation that inspires giving to expand opportunities and advance full equality for LGBT people across the Northwest This year’s emcee is Steve Spreitzer, president and CEO of the Michigan Roundtable. Spreitzer has held various leadership positions in Southfield Passes Non-Discrimination Ordinance the organization, having served as director of programs and managed the BY AJ TRAGER sexual orientation or gender identity of right thing to do, because I totally agree Roundtable’s Interfaith efforts and Walk2gether Michigan. His work has another person,” City Attorney Sue Ward with equal treatment for all. So I want to gained recognition from the World Sabbath for Religious Reconciliation, the SOUTHFIELD – Southfield City read at the meeting. make that very clear.” Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, the Catholic Youth Organization Council unanimously voted Jan. 26 to Former councilwoman Barbara Talley, Other members of the community and the Hindu American Foundation. pass a city-wide non-discrimination of the Martin Luther King Task Force, who spoke include Jay Kaplan, the Registration for the event, which includes a breakfast and lunch, is $100 for the general public and $25 for full-time students. On-site registration the ordinance that would add gender identity spoke during the resident response time. ACLU LGBT Project’s staff attorney day of the event is payable by credit card or electronic check (ACH) only. For and sexual orientation protections to a list She was the first black woman to serve and longtime Southfield resident; Cindy additional information, visit the conference website at oakland.edu/SOGI. To of protected classes. on the Southfield City Council and was Clardy; Julia Music, organizer of Ferndale contact the SOGI Initiative Office, call 248-370-4614 or email them at sogi@ Southfield joined 35 other Michigan in complete support of the ordinance, Pride; Beth Green; Faith Robinson, Chair oakland.edu cities and townships which provide non- recounting a time when she, too, was of the Jewish Gay Network of Michigan; discrimination protections to its citizens discriminated against for who she was. Stephanie English; and Barbara Seldon. by passing an amendment to it’s human “I don’t know if any of you on city “I couldn’t have said it better than rights ordinance. council have ever been discriminated the people who said it this evening; the “Every time we expand ‘We The People’ against. But I have. And so I’m coming diversity of Southfield was reflected we are better off for it,” State Rep. Jeremy from a different point of view,” Talley in the people who spoke and how Moss said after the vote. “Unfortunately said. “... However, on that City Council, they viewed the issue. I would simply the atmosphere in Lansing won’t take this I used to sit there before any of you sat say it’s clearly just the right thing to up, but it says something when a city of there. And we worked very very hard for do,” Councilman Ken Siver said after about 75,000 residents that live in it, or inclusion and diversity in the city. I want motioning for a call to vote. upwards of 200,000 people who work in to remind each of you of the oath that you “Equality Michigan appreciates all of it, are now protected based on their sexual took. You really should not be sitting on the amazing work that Jeremy Moss and Ferndale Pride Seeks Sponsors And Vendors orientation or gender identity. That’s a lot City Council if you think that your denial Brenda Lawrence did to make Southfield Ferndale Pride has just released a press release announcing their plans of clout to bring up to Lansing for me, as (of the ordinance) is valid.” the 36th city in Michigan to pass a local for this year’s event. a state legislator, in trying to push forward Tensions rose as Jordan was criticized LGBT inclusive Human Rights ordinance Downtown Ferndale will host its annual Ferndale Pride for the LGBTQA an Elliott-Larsen amendment.” by a resident for changing her mind to be and we hope that this continues to put community on Saturday, May 30 along W. Nine Mile Road. Many related Moss introduced the ordinance when in support of the ordinance. The speaker pressure on the legislature in Lansing to events and activities will accompany the festival throughout the week. Such he was serving on the Southfield City claimed Jordan was trying to write her own take up this issue on a statewide level,” events include the Rainbow 5k Walk/Run, drag shows, multiple club and bar Council in December 2013. The legislation history. Just before the vote, the council Greg Varnum, director of external events, patio parties, dinners, art shows and many others. Ferndale Pride was referred to the city’s attorney for president then stated that she had always relations at Equality Michigan, said. is expected to attract between 12,000 to 15,000 people during the week’s review and dismissed from the council been in support of LGBT rights. The council passed the ordinance festivities. table in early 2014. The ordinance was “I worked at The Equal Employment unanimously with a 5-0 vote. Councilman Sponsorship opportunities give organizations and businesses the chance reintroduced this year by Acting Council Opportunity Commission as an Sid Lantz was not present for the meeting. to promote themselves as well as support the LGBTQA and Ferndale President Sylvia Jordan. investigator for over eight years in the Changes to city law are expected to take communities. Participants can be a part of the vibrancy and diversity that the Language now directly reads that the ‘80s. And we fought for civil rights effect in March. city is known for. Sponsors to date include MotorCity Casino Hotel, Ferndale ordinance will “prohibit discrimination and stood up to discrimination,” Jordan “This is going to make Southfield Chamber of Commerce, Ferndale DDA, Ferndale Community Foundation, in Southfield in the areas of employment, responded. “I have members of my economically competitive, welcoming of Affirmations Community Center, Michigan AIDS Coalition and more. housing and public accommodations based family in the gay community. I have those who want inclusive communities, For information on how to be a sponsor, go to www.ferndalepride.com/ upon race, color, religion, national origin, members of my church in the gay diverse communities,” Moss said. “And sponsoring/how-to-sponsor.html. To secure a vendor booth, go to www. sex, age, height, weight, marital status, community. And for me to not approve a it’s the right thing to do. And I am excited ferndalepride.com/vendors/booth-rental.html. physical or mental disability, family status, human rights ordinance would not be the to be a Southfielder tonight.”
4 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com
Gay Marriage Case May Affect Discrimination, Religion Bills
BY DAVID EGGERT
LANSING (AP) – Gov. Rick Snyder hopes to resuscitate legislation that would protect gay and transgender residents from discrimination, while LGBT advocates explore asking voters to pass the bill since it’s unlikely to clear the GOP-led Legislature. In his State of the State speech, the Republican governor called for continued discussion over amending Michigan’s civil rights law to prohibit discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents in employment, housing and places open to the public. State Sen. Rebekah Warren (L), Greg Varnum, director of external relations at Equality Michigan (C) and Naomi Goldberg, leader of research analysis and research support at the Movement Advancement Project (R), each address the crowd on updating the Elliot- “Let’s show that we can deal with issues of discrimination in our state,” Larsen Civil Rights Act in Ypsilanti, Monday, Jan. 26. (BTL photos/AJ Trager) Snyder said, drawing applause from Democrats and some Republicans. But after last week’s address, new GOP House Speaker Kevin Cotter of Mount Pleasant told reporters that he sees no need for more debate after Elliott-Larsen: How Michigan Is Falling Behind the business-backed legislation stalled in November without a vote. The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to take up constitutional BY AJ TRAGER Eighteen states in the country passing of this act could provide challenges to a gay marriage ban in Michigan, however, may intensify lack sexual orientation and avenues for religion to be used as pressure on lawmakers from both the LGBT community and social YPSILANTI – State Sen. gender identity protections in a weapon. conservatives. Rebekah Warren spoke Jan. the workplace, covering nearly While both sides of the political “You could have a situation where people are allowed to get married in 26 with members of local and 52 percent of LGBT individuals. spectrum are seeking protections a state but will lose their jobs if they were to come out publicly or let it be national LGBT organizations on Turning up the temperature on for sexual orientation, leaving known that they got married to a same-sex partner,” said Sommer Foster, the importance of passing federal, the legislature through lobbying gender expression and gender director of political advocacy for Equality Michigan. statewide and municipal LGBT and calling elected officials when identity out of the equation Until a year ago, she said, every state where same-sex marriage is legal protections and how far Michigan a bill has been introduced is one poses significant dangers for all also had anti-discrimination protections for gays. But as a wave of lower has to go to become a fully inclusive way to push for an update to LGBT individuals. Removing courts ruled quickly in favor of gay marriage rights, many now allow same- state. those protections, but establishing the expression protections leaves sex marriage yet don’t have non-discrimination policies. Sponsored by the Equality municipal LGBT protections will those who act or present as more “The impending Supreme Court decision makes it even more urgent,” Research Center at Eastern also move the state forward. “butch” or more “femme” than an Foster said. Michigan University, Warren was “In the last few years we have assumed gender presentation, for Realistic about the yet-to-be-reintroduced bill’s future, the organization is joined by Greg Varnum, director actually passed so many local example, at risk for discrimination studying whether a 2016 ballot measure is an option and if enough money of external relations of Equality ordinances (for LGBT protections) that can come from any corner. can be raised for a signature-gathering and advertising campaign. Michigan, and Naomi Goldberg, that we now have more than any ELCRA is more than just a A final decision will be made in six to 12 months. There has never been who leads the research analysis at other state in the United States,” workplace equality issue; it is a a statewide vote in any state on such a measure, Foster said. the Movement Advancement, an Varnum said. “Last year we passed statewide incentive to keep more A September poll conducted for The Detroit News and WDIV-TV by independent think tank that provides Pennsylvania. They had 32; we innovative, diverse minds from the Glengariff Group showed 74 percent of 600 likely state voters were in research, insight and analysis that now have 35.” leaving the state. support of making it illegal to fire or deny housing to someone because he help speed equality for LGBT ELCRA was a point of tension A recent Gallup poll found that or she is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Eighteen percent were in people. Varnum was standing in last term with two different bills 5.4 million people in the workplace opposition, with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage for Equality Michigan’s executive having been introduced into the identify as LGBT. Studies on points. director, Emily Dievendorf. state legislature; one version, résumé content have found that Some supporters of a proposed state version of the federal Religious Warren has introduced introduced by Warren in the individuals who identify as LGBT Freedom Restoration Act also say their effort to shield a person’s sincerely amendments to the Elliott-Larsen Senate and Rep. Sam Singh in or have LGBT qualifications listed held beliefs from government overreach could be more vital given the Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), the House, provided for sexual on their résumé are less likely to Supreme Court’s approaching gay marriage ruling – which is expected by Michigan’s Civil Rights law, every orientation, gender identity and get a call back than someone who the end of June. The proposed law, which died in the Republican-controlled session since winning her first gender expression protections doesn’t have those skills listed, Senate in December after being passed by the House, was reintroduced the position into state elected office and the other, introduced by Rep. Goldberg said. same day as Snyder’s State of the State address. nine years ago and vows that she Frank Foster, only provided for “When we think of America, “We’re very hopeful it will get a warmer reception,” said Tom Hickson, will continue to do so until the state sexual orientation protections. we think of the basic bargain: you vice president for public policy and advocacy at the Michigan Catholic gets it done. Efforts to pass ELCRA failed in work hard, you get ahead. For Conference, which has lobbied for the legislation for at least 15 years. “I “It’s often said that the states 2014, but 2015 is a new year, and LGBT people, that basic bargain don’t see any reason to think that this isn’t something that’s going to have become the incubators for the Warren is expected to reintroduce is broken,” Goldberg said. “For certainly some robust discussions.” federal government. And here we the amendment containing all LGBT people it is harder to find Backers of the Michigan religious liberty bill point to cases such as a suburban find that sometimes the localities, protections. and keep a good job. And then Denver baker who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding and is or municipal governments, become The original Republican bill was once you get that job, you work fighting an order requiring him to serve gay couples against his religious beliefs. the incubators for the state, and to be passed in conjunction with just as hard but get fewer benefits During the recent lame-duck session, Snyder expressed concern with they can push policy up to us (the the Michigan Religious Freedom and pay more in taxes.” enacting religious liberty legislation if it didn’t coincide with also updating legislature),” Warren said. Restoration Act (MiRFRA), which Equality Michigan, big the 1976 Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Polling shows that upwards of 75 sought to protect people’s “deeply businesses and other groups such Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, said he hopes the GOP percent of Michiganders believe that held religious beliefs” from certain as Freedom Michigan (a coalition majority decides against pursuing the religious freedom bill. LGBT protections under ELCRA government actions. Activists of people focused on updating the “I’m hopeful that they’ll realize that we need to be finding solutions should be granted in the state and and the LGBT community have ELCRA with all LGBT protections that help all Michigan families, not pandering to ideologues within each 70 percent believe those protections nicknamed the act a “license to included) fought hard last year to of our parties,” he said. are already available, Varnum said. discriminate,” fearing that the See Elliot-Larsen, next page
6 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Political Hors Doeuvres Mich. Religious Freedom Bill Returns Snyder Wants More Dialogue On LGBT Equality BY TODD HEYWOOD enshrine backwards thinking into our state It’s Baaaaaaack! government,” says Sam Inglot of Progress Michigan State Senator Mike Shirkey, Michigan. “Bigotry and discrimination have R-Clark Lake, has no place in Michigan, whether it’s coming re-introduced the from Gov. Snyder, Dave Agema or the Tea Michigan Religious Party. Michiganders won’t stand for legislation Freedom Restoration that makes us a national embarrassment and Act (MiRFRA). That’s only drives hardworking people and loving legislation lovingly families from our state.” dubbed “license to There’s an irony here that as Gov. Rick discriminate” by Snyder was dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s activists because it for his state of the state address on Tuesday, Gov. Snyder justifies nearly all Jan. 20, Shirkey was pushing his legislation discrimination, as in the Senate. It was formally introduced long as a person and referred to the Judiciary Committee on claims a “sincerely Tuesday. So what irony? Well, Snyder took held religious belief” to back it up. the opportunity in the State of the State For those who have been living under a address to call for “more dialogue” about rock for the past several months, MiRFRA amending the law at the same time Shirkey was is legislation originally introduced by former creating a special rights bill to allow religious Speaker of the House Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) discrimination. as a “balance” to legislative activity to Oh, and that dialogue? Don’t expect it amend the state’s civil rights law to include from the even further right wing House. sexual orientation and gender identity as Speaker Kevin Cotter, R-Mt.Pleasant, who is protected classes. While the move to amend beholden to the unholy right wing trinity of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) Reps. Todd Courser, R-Lapeer, Cindy Gamrat, failed, Bolger was undeterred and pushed his R-Plainwell, and Gary Glenn, R-Midland, told MiRFRA legislation through the House. It the Detroit Free Press “that’s a discussion we died in the Senate at the end of the lame duck had last session,” and, “I’m not looking to session in 2014. bring that up.” “Sadly, it’s not surprising that the “Talk is cheap,” Inglot said. “The Michigan GOP-controlled Senate reintroduced a GOP can’t seem to get Agema to stop talking and discriminatory piece of legislation like RFRA it’s time for Gov. Snyder to take real leadership that serves no real purpose other than to further instead of offering more hollow words.”
® Elliot-Larsen Warren said. “I think we have the best Continued from p. 6 coalition that we’ve ever had with activists from the LGBT community, with allies, with keep MiRFRA from showing up on Snyder’s business folks, with folks from academia desk for signature. However, MiRFRA and folks from public policy. We have has been reintroduced into the House by everybody coming to the table in a very State Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake. different way to say, ‘This is morally the Organizers are urging Michiganders to get right thing to do,’ because everyone deserves active in fighting the bill by joining LGBT protection in the workplace, at home, and to equality groups and contacting their state not worry about being evicted because their representatives. landlord doesn’t like how they look or who An amendment to the ELCRA may not they share their home with. We also know happen in 2015 despite a push from the economically it is one of the most important LGBT movement. In his State of the State things that we can do.” speech, Gov. Snyder said that he would like to see continued discussion on the ELCRA The Eastern Michigan Equality Research Center amendment. However, House Speaker was established in 2010. Since then it has been Kevin Cotter, R-Mt.Pleasant, has already working to stimulate academic research on stated that ELCRA is not on the top of his LGBT equality issues on an interdisciplinary list. Thus, Equality Michigan has started basis and to accelerate the movement of that preparing for a 2016 ballot initiative that could cost upwards of $20 million. research from the academic sphere into the “We’ve gotten smarter in our organizing,” public sphere. www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 7 Marriage Equality Federal Judge Stays Ala. Gay Marriage Ruling For 2 Weeks
BY KIM CHANDLER AND JEFF MARTIN Tuskegee were prepared to camp down. outside the Montgomery courthouse Granade had ruled Friday MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A all night Sunday in hopes of securing that Alabama’s statutory and federal judge has put a temporary a marriage license first thing Monday constitutional bans on gay marriage hold on her decision that overturned from a judge who indicated he would were in violation of the U.S. Alabama’s gay marriage ban, but be issuing them absent a stay. Constitution. That ruling was the indicated she will soon answer a key “It’s aggravating. The judge ruled latest in a string of victories for same- question: Must state probate judges and everybody got so excited and sex marriage advocates around the issue marriage licenses to same-sex now, this,” Sisson said. Deep South. Still, the judge’s order couples when the stay is lifted? The stay will expire Feb. 9 unless reverberated in a state considered U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. the court extends it. one of the Bible Belt’s most socially Granade on Sunday refused the Granade said within that time conservative, drawing praise and Alabama attorney general’s request that she will issue a separate order disbelief from some and scorn from to put her ruling on hold until the clarifying the effect of her ruling on others. U.S. Supreme Court takes up the those seeking and issuing marriage The ruling striking down the Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand with their 9-year-old son. The couple issue of gay marriage later this year. licenses across Alabama. marriage ban came out of a case filed have been fighting to co-adopt their son in the state of Alabama since However, Granade did issue a 14-day Lawyers for the Mobile couple that by Cari Searcy and Kim McKeand he was born. stay to give the state time to ask the brought the original suit requested of Mobile. The couple said the ban 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals the clarification after the Alabama prevented Alabama from recognizing for a lengthier delay. Probate Judges’ Association advised their 2008 California marriage and Couple Behind Ala. Gay Marriage Alabama Attorney General Luther judges that they should not issue Searcy as a parent to the son they had Strange called the delay a “step licenses to same-sex couples. together. McKeand gave birth to the Case Grateful For Ruling in the right direction” because it The group maintained that ruling child in 2005, but the court rejected will allow the state time to prepare declaring the ban unconstitutional Searcy’s adoption petition because appellate arguments and perhaps only applies to the parties in that case, the couple was not legally married. BY KIM CHANDLER settle questions about the effect of and that it doesn’t require judges to Strange’s office had sought to put the ruling. Advocates of gay marriage issue marriage licenses to other same- Granade’s order on hold until the MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The couple whose lawsuit rights expressed disappointment but sex couples. U.S. Supreme Court rules. The state toppled Alabama’s gay marriage ban said they are grateful, were confident they would ultimately “As probate judges, our duty is to argued there would be widespread overjoyed and still a little a bit in disbelief. prevail. issue marriage licenses in accordance confusion if couple’s got married, but “We are still trying to take it all in. It’s overwhelming. We’re “While we’re disappointed that with Alabama law and that means the marriages were later ruled invalid. very grateful. Wow. It happened,” Kim McKeand said. committed, loving gay and lesbian we cannot legally issue marriage Granade said it was inappropriate, Cari Searcy and McKeand, along with their 9-year-old son, couples in Alabama will not be licenses to same-sex couples,” in her view, to continue to delay. filed a lawsuit this year challenging the ban that prevented able to marry (Monday), we’re Monroe County Probate Judge Greg “As long as a stay is in place, Alabama from recognizing their California marriage and hopeful the final legal barriers will be Norris said. same-sex couples and their families Searcy as a parent to their son that McKeand birthed. overcome quite soon,” Human Rights Some judges disagreed with remain in a state of limbo with “It was never about marriage equality for us. It started with Campaign Alabama Director Ashley that view and indicated they were respect to adoption, child care me trying to gain parental rights to our son that we created,” Jackson said. prepared to issue licenses on Monday. and custody, medical decisions, Searcy said. Some hoping to get married swiftly David Kennedy, an attorney for the employment and health benefits, U.S. District Callie V.S. Granade on Friday ruled in the expressed disappointment over the plaintiffs in the case, said the judges’ future tax implications, inheritance couple’s favor declaring both Alabama’s statutory and two-week hold. association needed to “embrace and many other rights associated with constitutional gay marriage bans to be in violation of the U.S. Tori Sisson and Shante Wolfe of reality” that the ban had been struck marriage,” she wrote. Constitution. The ruling was the latest in a string of wins in the South for advocates of gay marriage rights, but one that the couple’s friends doubted would happen in conservative Alabama. adopt. The couple wed in California judges,” said Tony Perkins, president “As probate judges, our duty is to “There were so many people who believed it couldn’t happen in 2008. They applied again, but said of the Washington D.C. – based Family issue marriage licenses in accordance here,” Searcy said. They got the news Friday with a phone call. they were rejected again because of the Research Council. with Alabama law and that means we “We three immediately started dancing and doing the happy state’s prohibition on recognizing their The legal fight is not over, however. cannot legally issue marriage licenses dance and giggling and laughing and crying, and we’ve been marriage. Alabama Attorney General Luther to same-sex couples. The recent federal celebrating ever since,” McKeand said. The judge’s Friday decision was met Strange’s office quickly filed a motion ruling does not change that,” said Searcy, 39, and McKeand, 38, are both from Texas and met with sharp criticisms from conservatives Friday night asking Granade to put her Monroe County Probate Judge Greg in college. Searcy, the owner of a video production company, in and out of Alabama who called it order on hold since the U.S. Supreme Norris, the president of the judges’ and McKeand, a marketing manager, moved to Mobile 13 an affront to state voters who in 2006 Court is supposed to consider the issue association. years ago. overwhelmingly approved putting of gay marriage later this year. Searcy and McKeand said despite “Everybody was like, ‘Why Alabama?’ We found it, Mobile a prohibition on the recognition of David Kennedy, a lawyer for the living in a state considered one of the in particular, to be very inviting and just a great community same-sex marriages into the Alabama couple, said they will file an objection to most conservative in the country, that and we loved it,” Searcy said. Constitution. the request to stay the order. He said the they received mostly positive support. McKeand in 2005 gave birth to a son who was conceived “This federal judge is throwing out couple also plans to refile their adoption They said their son has long been aware with the help of a sperm donor. The boy was born with a hole the votes of the people of Alabama and paperwork first thing Monday. of their legal fight. in his heart and needed surgery. Searcy said that her status as a attempting to shut down the debate over Additional litigation is almost a “To him our family has really been non-parent became clear when a nurse said she needed proof of marriage. In exercising their right to certainty. The Alabama Probate Judge no different than any other family. guardianship to show her procedures needed for the boy’s care. vote, Alabama voters overwhelmingly Association issued a statement Saturday He just knew we had this court thing. “I was a total legal stranger,” Searcy said. sent a message that that they want to see saying there was nothing in the order to He was very happy. He told one of Searcy filed an adoption application but said she was denied society rebuild and strengthen marriage require judges to issue marriage licenses his friends, ‘We changed the law,”’ on the basis that only married couples or single people could – not have it redefined by unelected to same-sex couples. McKeand said. 8 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Nagging Questions Behind 6th Circuit Marriage Cases BY LISA KEEN The LGBT groups and their Indiana Legislature To Soon here is at least one small nagging allies must file argument question looming over the happy briefs by Feb. 27. State officials Take Up Religious Freedom Bill news that the U.S. Supreme Court Twill hear the appeals of same-sex couples must file their briefs by March BY TOM DAVIES challenging laws in four states that refuse 27. Then attorneys for the to license or recognize their marriages. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Broadly worded proposals backed Most legal observers are saying these same-sex couples can file one by conservative lawmakers that would give the state’s four cases – from Michigan, Tennessee, residents and businesses expansive religious freedom Ohio and Kentucky – will be the means by last “reply” brief by April 17. protections will be discussed in the Indiana Legislature which the Supreme Court will strike down in the coming weeks. such laws in 22 states. (Thirteen states are One of the proposals, sponsored by Republican Sen. still enforcing their bans and nine are still would find that laws banning marriage on Scott Schneider, would prohibit any state laws that in court defending their bans.) the basis of sexual orientation violate the “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his In making its announcement, the constitution. or her religious beliefs, and extends the definition of a Supreme Court spelled out two questions But even a “yes” to the second question “person” to include religious institutions, businesses for attorneys to argue. Does the 14th alone would “at least provide some relief,” and associations. Amendment require a state to license said Gerhardstein. a marriage between two people of the That’s why attorneys for same-sex Schneider, R-Indianapolis, declined to discuss the same sex? couples in three of the four cases on appeal specifics of the proposal this week, saying he would Michigan Attorney Dana Nessel addresses media comment closer to a scheduled Feb. 9 committee hearing. “A ‘Yes’ to the first question is (the) Jan. 19 as colleague Ken Mogill looks on. (all but Kentucky) posed the question whole ball game. We very much want themselves, along with the question of Social conservatives in several states in recent years that,” said Al Gerhardstein, lead counsel an important basis for challenging any whether the states could refuse to issue have pushed similar bills as gay marriage bans fall for same-sex couples in the case from other law that discriminates on the basis licenses. across the nation. Those measures asserted the right to Ohio, Obergefell v Hodges (along with a of sexual orientation,” said Richard In November, the 6th Circuit U.S. Court have no involvement with gay marriages, but the Indiana companion case, Henry v Hodges). Socarides, a long-time LGBT activist who of Appeals became the first federal appeals proposals make no mention of gay marriage. The second question is the nagging writes on legal and political issues for The court to answer “no” to both questions. The legislation comes after last year’s failed effort one: Does the 14th Amendment require a New Yorker. LGBT legal groups have been working to advance a proposed state constitutional amendment state to recognize a marriage between two Dana Nessel, one of the key attorneys with private attorneys on the four cases to banning gay marriage, which federal courts later people of the same sex when their marriage for the same-sex couple in the Michigan make the appeals: Lambda Legal and the legalized in Indiana. was lawfully licensed and performed out- case, agreed. If the court says the bans are ACLU are working in Ohio on Obergefell Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long said of-state? not justified by any rational reason, the v Hodges; the National Center for Lesbian he didn’t regard the proposal as one intended to allow The second question presupposes the impact might be limited. But if the court Rights is working with lesbian activist businesses such as bakeries and photographers to refuse possibility of a “no” answer on the first says that laws, such as these, that disfavor attorney Abby Rubenfeld and others dealings with gay couples. question. LGBT people fail to identify a compelling in Tennessee in Tanco v Haslam; Gay “That’s a fine line you walk when you have constitutional Thus the stage is set once again for a reason to do so – a much tougher hurdle & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is rights on both sides, we understand that,” Long said. dramatic “Most Important LGBT Case to clear – “the decision could have a very working in Michigan on DeBoer v Snyder; “Ultimately, the courts will continue to guide us on what Ever Before the U.S. Supreme Court.” broad impact and apply to all other areas” and the ACLU is involved in Kentucky in you can and can’t do out there.” A “yes” answer on the first question of discrimination.” Bourke v Beshear. Long said more than 20 states have religious freedom Nessel noted that, in Michigan and would enable same-sex couples to obtain The LGBT groups and their allies must laws similar to those proposed in the Indiana bills and a other states, some adoption agencies are marriage licenses in any of the 50 states. file argument briefs by Feb. 27. State comparable federal law enacted in the 1990s was upheld attempting to refuse to place children Currently, they can marry in 37 (including officials must file their briefs by March 27. by the U.S. Supreme Court. with same-sex couples and some bakeries Missouri, whose most populous counties Then attorneys for the same-sex couples Arizona’s governor vetoed a bill last year that refuse to provide services to same-sex are issuing licenses). A “yes” answer can file one last “reply” brief by April 17. supporters said was designed to give added protection couple weddings, often citing religious would also bolster the likelihood that That suggests the oral arguments – which from lawsuits to people who assert their religious beliefs LGBT people could rely on existing laws objections. And the state legislature, have been allotted a total of two-and-a-half she said, is expected to pass laws in the in refusing service to gays. But it drew blistering criticism for equal protection and due process hours – will probably be held on April 27, from major corporations. A similar bill also failed last year arguments in other arenas, including coming session to enable businesses to 28 or 29, the last days calendared for oral use religious claims to discriminate against in the Kansas Legislature. employment, public accommodations and arguments in the 2014-15 session. Jane Henegar, the American Civil Liberties Union of adoption. LGBT people. “The court may give additional direction “In Michigan, there are no protections Indiana’s executive director, said the proposals aren’t The cases challenging the Defense of to the parties in the cases regarding very specific and could easily let people or businesses Marriage Act and California’s Proposition of any kind for the LGBT population – in structuring oral argument on each of the employment, housing, anything,” said claim that government actions burdened their exercise 8 carried that dramatic mantle in 2013. questions,” said Susan Sommer, Lambda’s of religion, which could result in tax money being spent The decisions in those cases struck down Nessel. “We would love to see something director of constitutional litigation. “There that could be applied to other areas.” to defend the state against frivolous lawsuits. a federal law that prohibited same-sex also may be some variations in the facts The ACLU of Indiana represented gay couples in the couples with marriage licenses from So the best case scenario in the 6th and legal issues presented in the different federal lawsuit that led to the state’s same-sex marriage receiving federal benefits and allowed Circuit marriage appeals would be akin cases that will be taken into account as well ban being overturned last year. same-sex couples in California to marry. to that in Loving v Virginia, the 1967 in planning for oral argument.” “The cries and the fear that religious liberties were But they also signaled to lower courts decision that struck down state bans But the LGBT groups and attorneys going to be trampled upon just haven’t manifested,” she that the Supreme Court could no longer on interracial marriages. That 1967 working on the cases have been “working said, adding that the bill is unnecessary. be counted on to tolerate the sort of decision said that state laws banning together, very effectively, for decades The leaders of two conservative lobbying groups didn’t contortions most courts used to find a “gay marriage between persons solely on the towards our shared goal to win equality,” return telephone messages Friday seeking comment on exception” to every rule. basis of racial classifications violated the she said. “And I’m confident we will “A lot would depend on the wording 14th Amendment’s guarantees of equal continue to work together effectively in the proposals. of the decision, but conceivably a ‘yes’ protection and due process. With the 6th this home stretch.” answer on the first question could provide Circuit marriage appeals, the best language www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 9 Days Of Wine And Roses Parting Glances
OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER
“It’s a pity that youth is wasted on the young,” said George Bernard Shaw, whose play “Pygmalion” was given a fresh start and a heart pacer as the Broadway musical “My Fair Lady.” Shaw – who married late in life but didn’t care tuppence for romantic dalliance – lived to be a feisty 94. He talked and talked and talked himself into old age, and probably a number of his audiences who sat through his three-act, four-hour marathons as well. In spite of Shaw’s misspent youth quip, if a Cosmic Fairy Godmother zapped me back to my carefree 20s, I’d do my darndest to learn a few more dance steps with an even livelier set of gay Arthur Murray dance partners. Bunny Hop, anyone? Truth is, I don’t remember much about turning 25, 30 or 40. (If only I had kept a daily journal instead of my “Saint For A Day” address book.) But getting older hasn’t bothered me as much as I thought it would. At least I don’t think it has. (“Nobody wants you when you’re old and gay,” my mother cautioned me when I entered kindergarten, Little Lulu lunch pail in hand.) I’ve never experienced a panic at finding myself over the hill. (Or, taking my turn in the barrel for that matter.) Schuette’s Cowardly Plea To Discriminate And though I’ve been around the block so many times If Schuette is so committed to following the rule of law and the decisions it doesn’t have any corners to stand on, I’ve been stoic of our highest courts, why did he not follow Judge Friedman’s decision? about losing my hairline in life’s turbulent wind tunnel OPINION BY JAN STEVENSON Michigan’s constitutional ban against the Schuette as Michigan’s Attorney I’ve never experienced a panic at finding myself over the hill. (Or, death penalty. We are disgusted that he General. We analyzed Schuette’s record taking my turn in the barrel for that matter.) And though I’ve been would try to equate the risk involved in and found him to be ideologically ichigan Attorney General Bill around the block so many times it doesn’t have any corners to stand two people seeking to marry and build a committed to driving LGBT people out Schuette’s op-ed in Sunday’s on, I’ve been stoic about losing my hairline in life’s turbulent wind life and family together with the risk of of Michigan’s economy and social fabric Detroit Free Press attempted tunnel. Resigned to experiencing full-body Mach 3 gravitational sag. Mto defend his decision to continue killing someone. In fact, we are insulted and out of the state entirely. We strongly If aging is something that happened only to me (or Queen Elizabeth), fighting marriage equality all the way to that Schuette would even suggest it, felt this was not only devastating for I’d have a legitimate gripe, so I counsel myself over morning coffee. the U.S. Supreme Court. He argued it is directly or subliminally. the LGBT community but also for the “Go not quietly into that good night!” I say at bedtime, snoring soundly his duty, and that he has no choice but to And by the way – if Schuette is so state as a whole. The new 21st century in spite of myself. uphold the law and follow directives of committed to following the rule of economic engines are fueled by diversity The truth is, aging – like taxation – will chat up anybody who stands federal judges. He cited his allegiance to law and the decisions of our highest and inclusion of the finest minds with in line long enough to chit chat. (Just don’t stand naked in front of a the recent decision by the U.S. 6th Circuit courts, why did he not follow Judge unique perspectives and ideas. Michigan full-length, two-way mirror or before a sharp-eyed IRS auditor.) Court of Appeals to reverse U.S. District Friedman’s decision? At the time, will fall behind if differences continue I do, however remember two birthdays fondly: my gay bar 21st and Judge Bernard Friedman’s decision of that was the law of the land. Instead, to be perceived as risks and not assets. a surprise party 50th. In between, I haven’t a clue where I blew out my last March that declared Michigan’s Schuette chose to challenge that decision We continue to wish that Bill Schuette allotted candles or, if in the act of such celebratory ID checking, I got marriage ban unconstitutional. by appealing to the 6th Circuit. He was not our Attorney General. We can my wish (or, my man). Schuette’s argument reeks of moral did not have to. Attorneys General in only hope that the general populace of We all remember our Coming of Age. “Thank God I’m 21. No more cowardice. “I was just following orders” other states including Wyoming, North Michigan will read his op-ed argument 3.2 Zing Beer for me! It’s all disco lights and bubbling champagne is an argument used by some of the most Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, for what it is: a weak plea for permission from here on in.” (Please have three pieces of picture ID handy. Pay dastardly villains in human history – Oregon, Virginia, West Virginia, South to openly discriminate. the cover charge. And, what are you doing at closing time, Big Guy?) Nazi soldiers, genocidal rampagers in Carolina, New Mexico and Illinois opted BTL is co-producing the LGBTQ&A And 50! Wow! 600 months. 18,250 days. 43,800 hours. How time Laos and figures in Rwanda and Serbia to follow the courts’ rulings and not Career Fair March 5 at the University unzips flies. (“You took too long to powder your nose, Mary. You were to name just a few in recent memory. challenge their decision to strike down of Michigan-Dearborn. There will too busy finding out what the backroom boys were having, Charley.”) Schuette’s attempt to put on a cloak of their state’s marriage bans. U.S. Attorney be up to 40 of Michigan’s largest Ah, yes... legal justification is just a sham to hide General Eric Holder issued an order that employers actively recruiting hundreds At some undesignated point past ages 60 or 70 – you’ll know when behind his deeply felt animus towards state’s attorneys general do not have to of LGBT people, many of them young you get there, Bruce – one stops counting. And, to quote a famous poem: the state’s LGBT community. uphold discriminatory constitutional people just graduating from colleges “They are not long, the days of wine and roses./ Out of a misty dream; Are Nazis and genocide extreme amendments. It was solely Schuette’s and universities. We invite Attorney Our path emerges for a while, then closes./ Within a dream.” The poet, examples? Perhaps – but we chose decision to preserve discrimination in General Bill Schuette to come see and Englishman Ernest Dowson, died at 32. Short changed. An alcoholic. them specifically because, in his op-ed, Michigan. meet exactly the extraordinary people Unasked for advice: Enjoy life. It’s never later than you think. Or, is it? Schuette equated his “duty” to uphold the Last November, this paper strongly he is trying so hard to drive away from [email protected] marriage ban to his legal duty to uphold supported Mark Totten to replace Michigan’s work force. 10 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Sally Kern OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI
ental illness is a serious, unfairly stigmatized issue in this country. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in four Americans deal with some M kind of mental illness yearly and many receive no treatment. So please know that I’m not joking when I say that Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern is a very sick woman and that I hope that she gets the help she so desperately needs. Now, I’m not a psychologist, but I don’t see how a mentally healthy person can Sally Kern maintain the kind of obsessive hatred of LGBT people that inspires the bills she recently introduced in the Oklahoma legislature. All three serve no purpose other than to make life harder for LGBT Oklahomans. For example, take the so-called “Preservation and Sovereignty of Marriage Act,” a desperate move to try to thwart marriage equality, which is legal in Oklahoma. “No employee of this state and no employee of any local governmental entity shall officially recognize, grant or enforce a same-sex marriage license and continue to receive a salary, pension or other employee benefit at the expense of taxpayers of this state,” the bills reads. “No taxes or public funds of this state shall be spent enforcing any court order requiring the issuance or recognition of a same-sex marriage license.” In other words: “Hey government employees, you like your job? Better not play nice-nice with any gay couples or you’ll be filing for food stamps (ha ha just kidding, we’re Republicans, we’ll probably cut those, too).” Kern is not alone in her marriage-equality desperate-measures freak out. Todd Russ, another State Rep., wants to do away with marriage licenses in the state altogether just to spite the gays. Kern also authored the “Freedom to Obtain Conversion Therapy Act,” which guarantees people the “freedom” to mentally and emotionally damage their LGBT children by trying to get them “cured.” As you may know, California and New Jersey have banned so-called “conversion therapy” because it is bullshit. Kern’s bill is a proactive measure to keep Oklahoma from making the same move. The bill reads in part, “The people of this state have the right to seek and obtain counseling or conversion therapy from a mental health provider in order to control or end any unwanted sexual attraction, and no state agency shall infringe upon that right. Parents may obtain such counseling or therapy for their children under eighteen years of age without interference by the state.” It’s sad that Kern’s interest in mental health exists solely to harm rather than help others. Then there’s the “freedom to discriminate” bill that’s been popular in other states as of late in order to address the horror of bakers having to make cakes for a same-sex couple’s wedding when said bakers believe that homos make Jesus vomit. While other states have used CYA terms like “religious freedom” to justify the refusal of service, Kern comes right out with it: “No business entity shall be required to provide any services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods or privileges related to any lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person, group or association.” Could these bills pass? They shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean they won’t. After all, Republicans dominate Oklahoma and marriage equality is scaring the shit out of them. As for Kern, she’s been crying for help since at least 2008 when she said that homosexuality is “the biggest threat that our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat.” It can’t be fun to be her. www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 11 Discrimination Continues In States With Marriage Equality New HRC Report Also Highlights Michigan’s LGBT Legislation The SEI helps bring to light that there are BY BTL STAFF government regulations that they feel may a lot of challenges ahead and our work substantially burden their sincerely held in Michigan is far from over. But while A new report by the Human Rights religious beliefs. Advocates are working our victory is not inevitable, we can be Campaign, in partnership with the Equality closely with business leaders to defeat increasingly confident it is achievable.” Federation, reveals that equal treatment that measure and build support for non- Seven states and the District of remains out of reach for LGBT Americans discrimination legislation. Columbia are in the highest category: in most states, including Michigan. The SEI assesses states on their “Working Toward Innovative Equality” The inaugural State Equality Index LGBT-related legislation and policies, These high ranking states have (SEI) reveals that, even with progress on good and bad, in six areas: relationship marriage equality, robust LGBT marriage equality, there are extraordinary recognition, parenting laws and policies, non-discrimination laws that include state-to-state disparities in LGBT non- non-discrimination laws, hate crimes laws, employment, housing and public discrimination protections, including in the anti-bullying laws and health and safety accommodations as well as protections workplace, and efforts continue by equality laws and policies. Based on that review, in the realm of credit, insurance and jury opponents to pass state-level legislation the SEI assigns states to one of four distinct selection. Most allow transgender people that would sanction discrimination categories. to change official documents to reflect and undermine even minimal existing Michigan and 29 other states fall into their gender identity. Many bar private protections. the lowest-performing category: “High insurers from banning transition-related Michigan is one of 32 states in the Priority to Achieve Basic Equality.” healthcare. LGBT youth are protected by country that lacks explicit state-level Most of these states have many laws that anti-bullying laws, as well as innovative workplace protections for all LGBT undermine LGBT equality, from those that measures in some states that address employees. It is also one of 14 states that criminalize HIV and sodomy, to measures conversion therapy, inclusive juvenile does not have marriage equality. allowing religious-based discrimination justice policies, homelessness and sexual “Despite historic progress on issues against LGBT people. A handful of states education. like marriage equality, a majority of states have court-ordered marriage equality; none Seven states are in the category of still struggle to reach even a basic level have non-discrimination laws that include “Solidifying Equality.” of equality for LGBT people,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Most states lack statewide non-discrimination laws to Michigan and 29 other states fall into the lowest-performing protect LGBT people, putting countless individuals and families at risk and creating category: “High Priority to Achieve Basic Equality.” inequalities in adoption and surrogacy, employments benefits and youth safety and well-being.” sexual orientation or gender identity These states have marriage equality “Even worse,” Griffin said, “equality protections; and few have hate crime and non-discrimination protections and opponents continue to push deeply harmful laws. LGBT advocates largely work on are considered high-performing, but laws forward, including those seeking to killing bad bills and on passing municipal not cutting edge, on LGBT equality. undermine critical protections in the guise protections for LGBT people. Some states, however, lack explicit non- of ‘religious liberty.’” discrimination protections on the basis Though same-sex marriage is legal in 36 Michigan Targets of gender identity. These states have states and Washington, D.C., more than 111 relatively strong anti-bullying laws, but million people, or 35 percent of Americans, Municipalities bad laws begin to crop up in this category. live in states where LGBT people are not Seven states are in the category of fully protected from discrimination in the “Equality Michigan is proud of the work “Building Equality.” workplace. And more than 206 million that Michigan’s LGBTQ communities These have marriage equality and people nationwide live in states where have accomplished this past year. There have taken steps toward more LGBT every LGBT person lacks fully-inclusive are now more local municipalities in equality efforts, including passing basic statewide workplace sexual orientation and Michigan with LGBTQ protections than non-discrimination and hate crimes gender identity protections. any other state in the country, and over laws. Some lack explicit gender Last year Michigan’s Religious Freedom 300 LGBTQ couples were able to marry identity protections, and several lack SHOP LGBT Restoration Act, a bill potentially allowing this past March,” Equality Michigan comprehensive anti-bullying laws. Bad for discrimination against LGBT people on Executive Director, Emily Dievendorf, laws are more common, so advocates the basis of religious beliefs, stalled in the said. “However, too many families in work to stop bills that undermine LGBT Senate after being introduced and passed Michigan are once again being denied the equality and pass more comprehensive SHOP LGBT in the House. Lawmakers reintroduced freedom to marry or having challenges non-discrimination laws. the bill Jan. 21, modeled after a federal getting their marriages recognized, and version that would allow individuals our state laws do not adequately protect The full report is available online at www. or businesses to seek exemptions to LGBTQ people or people living with HIV. hrc.org/sei. 12 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Is The Michigan Tea Party Movement About To Erupt In A Civil War? BY TODD HEYWOOD the following to the Facebook page message, however, is “more troublesome of Grassroots in Michigan, a tea party and volatile.” ell if the posts on social movement. He says the text is from an It should be noted that Swimp has been media are any indication, the email from Swimp: instrumental in bringing together what long simmering battle for I asked you guys to stop pushing this he characterizes as a national coalition Wcontrol of the movement being waged race narrative. of black pastors and ministers to fight by social conservatives and economic To stop demeaning Black Americans to marriage equality. The groups have filed conservatives may very well be erupting gain political capital legal briefs with the 5th and 6th Circuit into a full-fledged and public not-so-civil You refuse to do so. Courts of Appeals relating to marriage war of words. Therefore, Every Black pastor I know cases. And Swimp has gone so far as to The movement has been in a tizzy for and have stood with are going to come accuse homosexuals of perpetrating a weeks since word broke that Dave Agema, against this Michigan Tea Party war on holocaust on black Americans. the Republican National Committeeman Black people. Incidentally, the newly elected from Michigan, had posted a link to We will not stand idly and let you get unholy trinity of Reps. Cindy Gamrat, a white nationalist website. That link away with it under the guise of standing R-Plainwell; Todd Courser, R-Lapeer; claimed to be a first-hand account of the with a handful of Black conservatives and Gary Glenn, R-Midland, have court system by a public defender and the who do not repeat our perspective, but remained silent on the Agema actions of black defendants. represent the stereotypical ideas of rigid controversy. All three accepted It has been roundly condemned as racist, ideolgues (sic) donations from Agema’s political action and led to the national committee leaders We will defeat your war on our committee. censuring Agema – a political term for community. Courser, for his part, said commentary slapping him on the wrist. - Stacy Swimp. on the Agema situation would have to wait But a very vocal, exceedingly anti-gay a bit while he continued to draw attention cadre of loyalists and tea party movement “Do not allow yourself to be consumed to the “fraud” perpetrated on Michigan voices have continued to defend Agema. by this and develop the type of anger Stacy voters in delegating seating assignments For his part, Agema posted a defense of is apparently trying to find,” Petzold writes by lottery in the Michigan House. He his post, claiming he was just reposting in introducing Swimp’s message. He says published a nearly 1,1400 word blog post something former Florida Congressman the movement has been accused of racism on the situation, apologizing for his part Allen West posted. in the past, but always from “a person or in the fraud. He claims leadership had That defense was enough for Bishop organization removed from our circles already pre-assigned seats and the lottery Ira Combs from Jackson to call for and not considered a friend.” The Swimp was for show. Agema’s resignation. Combs, for those unaware, is a virulently anti-gay pastor from Jackson who, in the ‘90s, opposed the formation of a gay-straight alliance at the high school. When the school board, citing federal law, refused to disband the group, Combs recruited a kid to create a straight club. It didn’t go very far, but he tried. “Finally, please cease trying to hide behind Allen West, for posting what Mr. West correctly identified as the most racist article he had ever seen,” Combs wrote in his Jan. 22 letter to Agema. “Allen West is a public figure who has no current official role in the Republican Party, but is more aptly considered a part of media. He can afford to take those risks. He has no official role; you, on the other hand, as National Committeeman do. That you decided to sacrifice our Party to seek attention is inexcusable.” That was followed by the scathing line, “Let us close this chapter of controversy with a final parcel of nobility which is your voluntary resignation.” That, of course, set off the Agema defenders – most of them white. Many accused him of putting his race over party politics. Enter Combs’s new right-hand man: convicted felon and pastor Stacy Swimp. Swimp, who does not shirk his hate of LGBT people, has purportedly emailed members of the tea party movement. Mark Petzold, of Grand Rapids, posted www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 13 Photo: IFC Films ‘Star Trek’ Legend Patrick Stewart On Playing Gay, His Hair Intervention & BFF Ian McKellen
BY LAWRENCE FERBER coffee. All of a sudden my arms were grabbed behind me and the chair I was in n the new indie film “Match,” now was turned around violently. I was like, available via VOD, Patrick Stewart plays “What the fuck’s going on?” George had a queer Julliard dance instructor, Tobias, I ‘Jeffrey’ was the first (gay role I did). It was 1994 and me in an iron grip and his wife appeared who meets with a couple, played by Matthew with a pair of scissors. I screamed, Lillard and Carla Gugino, for an interview. we had just wrapped the seventh and final season yelled, shouted, kicked and lashed out The interview, however, proves to be a ruse, and he held me there and his wife cut off and Tobias finds himself ambushed and forced of ‘Star Trek,’ and I said to my agent, ‘Find me a job, my combover. Then, he crouched in front to confront the possibility he fathered a child of me and said, “Now, you be yourself! many decades back during a sexual free-for- I don’t care what it is but let it be as far removed NO! MORE! HIDING!” No more hiding. all heyday. Written and directed by Stephen Belber, who from science fiction and outer space as possible!’ I understand that there is, in fact, a real-life adapted his own play of the same name, “Match” Julliard instructor you took some inspiration is driven by Stewart’s powerhouse performance, from for your performance in “Match.” by turns flamboyant, angry, flirtatious, edgy, vulnerable, seductive and profound. More than a little. Tobi’s life is based on Sitting down in New York City for a one-on- it. He’s a teacher of classical dance at one chat – svelte and charismatic, wearing a First of all, I must give you thanks on behalf of Julliard, and I spent quite a lot of time combover. You should thank George handsome lavender shirt and dark blue jacket bald men everywhere for making baldness sexy. with him talking in his apartment in Kushvaldy. He was in drama school with – the “Star Trek” actor (and BFF of frequent Your status as a bald sex symbol, for both gays Inwood. Most importantly, I was allowed me, but much older, Hungarian, and we co-star Ian McKellen) dished about the film, and straights alike, helped rid the world of god- into his classroom on three occasions just got on very well. I went to have lunch his past gay roles, and whether he’ll appear in to sit in a corner. That was the foundation awful comb-overs, and I’m not at all joking. with him and his wife, and they both the next “X-Men” movie. on which I began to build Tobi – watching You shouldn’t thank me. I once had a went into the kitchen, I thought, to make him work.
14 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Was he also obsessed with party mix snacks? Will we see you in the next “X-Men” film, which is I think that idea came from his life, the party titled “Apocalypse” and will come out in 2016? mix. Actually I like them. They’re good! I have been told I will not be in it, but Ian is! I don’t quite know how that will work. Have you been offered many gay roles during But there is another “X-Men” project I think your career? You famously played Sterling, a gay I’m going to be part of. It’s not over. I mean, man whose boyfriend, played by Bryan Batt, is Jean Grey vaporized me in the third film and HIV-positive in the AIDS-era 1995 gay rom-com I came back in the fourth. How much harm “Jeffrey.” can you do with a vaporizing? Yeah. “Jeffrey” was the first. It was 1994 and Since original “Trek” cast members Shatner and we had just wrapped the seventh and final Nimoy are reportedly making cameos in the new season of “Star Trek,” and I said to my agent, “Find me a job, I don’t care what it is but let film, do you think we should get a Picard cameo it be as far removed from science fiction and too? outer space as possible!” And very shortly he It makes sense in the J.J. Abrams movies that rang me and said, “I’ve got itttttt! There’s a there would be Kirk and Spock. I don’t know movie they’re making called ‘Jeffrey’...” I how they would incorporate Picard. I think said, “I saw the play!” it’s unlikely. I’m not saying I wouldn’t. I had seen Paul Rudnick’s wonderful play here in N.Y. and I met with the director. Getting back to LGBT roles, how much of an I think that was my first time playing an effect did Jeffrey have on the roles you were openly gay character and I enjoyed it offered afterwards, if any? That was back when immensely. Having led a life in the theater, actors were still nervous to take on gay parts for I had been in the company of homosexual fear it could damage their careers. men and women (since being a) teenager. It was familiar and completely normal. When we were prepping for the movie, the production designer said he wanted to have lots of photographs around Sterling’s apartment – of them on holiday and with friends and so forth – so how would you feel if you and Bryan and Steve Weber (who played Jeffrey) go off and walk around the West Village. It was a In cases it probably did. Not anymore. Last Saturday afternoon during a hot summer, night I watched, for the second time, “Love so without quite knowing exactly where he Is Strange.” It is so fucking beautiful. was with his camera, we spent a couple of Beautiful. I saw it alone in England, and sat hours just hanging out and it was the loveliest there sobbing on my own in my house. And experience. Liberating. And intimate. And I knew my wife would love it, so last night fun. We went into bars, through the park. I said, “Tonight’s the night,” and we both Did you get recognized a lot? sat down ... and John Lithgow and Alfred Molina give such exquisite performances! I You know, it was the strangest thing, because can’t think of performances (that I’ve seen I do get recognized a lot. That’s why hats and lately) that are so beautiful in their delicacy keeping my mouth shut are most important. and subtlety and truthfulness.” But not that afternoon. Maybe I scared people off. You and Ian McKellen are so close – and famously frolicked in a Twitter photo series Or they respected your privacy. last year – that UK newspaper The Guardian They don’t usually! Why that afternoon? incorrectly identified you as gay too! So, Then I played someone who had a crush on if you open your relationship with Ian, I Frasier in the series. It was the last season and think you should bring in Alfred Molina for a tellingly titled, “The Doctor is Out.” I played an opera director who begins a relationship throuple. with Frasier. You do? (Laughs) Alfred’s too tall! www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 15 13
10 Cool Cities 6 3 18 11 17 Ann Arbor 9 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 16 4 Pinpoint your ad dollars where 14 20 7 they will do the most good . . . 8 1 21 15 Advertise in the next Cool Cities 5 22 TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 12 2
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Abracadabra Jewelry & Gem Gallery..... 1 Esquire Interiors...... * Men’s Yoga...... 13 Spectrum Center...... 19 Anderson, PLLC, Mary K...... 2 First Unitarian Church of Ann Arbor.....* Merkel Carpet One...... * Three Chairs Co...... 20 Ann Arbor Animal Hospital...... 12 Frick, LMSW, BCD, CBT, Julie...... * Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams...... 14 Tios Mexican Cafe...... 21 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 3 Gail van Langen Ph.d...... 9 Necto...... 15 Top of the Lamp...... * Ann Arbor Saline Family Chiro...... * Greene, LMSW, ACSW, Marge...... 10 Orion Automotive Services Inc...... * Trillium Real Estate...... 6 Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra...... 4 Groom N Go ...... * People’s Food Coop...... 16 Two Men And A Truck...... * The Ark...... 5 Hillers...... * Performance Network...... 17 UMHS Comprehensive /aut/ Bar...... 6 HIV/AIDS Resource Center (Harc)...... * Peterson, PLLC, Lisa J...... 18 Gender Services Program...... * Bassett & Associates...... * Humane Society of Huron Valley...... * PFLAG Ann Arbor...... * University Musical Society...... 22 Common Language...... 6 Iglesia Martell Law...... 11 Polo Fields Golf...... * * Not shown on map Dependable Collision Center...... * Jim Toy Resource Center...... 6 Rock Shoppe...... * D’orio, Jd, Plc, Lynn B...... 7 Lewis Jewelers...... 12 Rosenberg, David ...... 12 Downtown Home & Garden...... 8 Lord of Light Lutheran Church...... * Sh\aut\ Cabaret and Gallery...... 6
16 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Ani DiFranco performs Jan. 31 at Hill Auditorium. Photo courtesy of Fleming Artists Feeling The Folk In Ann Arbor Brandi Carlile, Ani DiFranco To Perform During 38th Annual Festival
BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS splendidly crafted songs. He performs and her guitar to convey the nuanced with an intensity that connects the lyrics that have attracted millions of The renowned Ann Arbor Folk Festival listener to the deep and genuine fans. She’ll perform selections from comes to Hill Auditorium this weekend emotions that inspire his work.” her newest release, “Allergic to Water.” for its 38th year. The annual festival, The Yonder Mountain String Band On the same night as DiFranco, which serves as a fundraiser for The Ark, also brings its artistry to the Ann Arbor Lee will perform his gritty American will bring two dynamic and different stage. The Colorado-based foursome roots sound, presenting his tremendous nights of folk and roots music, from takes bluegrass to the next level, showing vocal range and “perfectly constructed celebrated musicians to up-and-coming influences from traditional acts like songs,” according to The Ark. The artists. The Ark is Ann Arbor’s non-profit Del McCourty and Jimmy Martin and Norah Jones-discovered singer has venue for folk, roots and ethnic music. blending it with the punk rock sounds of been dubbed by Willie Nelson as “an The first evening will feature Bad Religion, Black Flag and the Dead exceptional artist (and) a true story performances by Brandi Carlile, Jason Kennedys. Alternative rock band sounds, teller unique to his generation.” Isbell, Yonder Mountain String Band, like the Postal Service, and 20th-century Buffy Sainte-Marie, who helped Baskery, Bahamas, Mandolin Orange classical composers work their way into found the Canada’s Music of Aboriginal and Billy Strings & Don Julin, with the unique sound of the band as well. Canada JUNO category, performs her Steve Poltz as MC. Of these acts, Saturday’s performances include soulful folk-country as influenced by many will be familiar with Isbell, Amos Lee, Ani DiFranco, Buffy her Canadian Cree background. The the Alabama native who has shown Sainte-Marie, Holly Williams, The singer-songwriter is known for her songs a unique evolution and maturation in Dustbowl Revival, Laith Al-Saadi, like “Universal Soldier,” an anthem of his sounds. Inspired by soul-tinged with Cheryl Wheeler as MC. An the peace movement in the 1960s, and rock, country and blues that he grew LGBT-favorite, DiFranco has made “Until It’s Time for You to Go,” which up hearing in Northern Alabama, Isbell her mark on the music industry over has been covered by the likes of Elvis, has earned three Americana Music the last 20 years. Proudly identifying Barbra Streisand and Cher. Awards including Artist of the Year, as a “little folksinger,” DiFranco has The Ann Arbor Folk Festival will Song of the Year (for “Cover Me Up”) brought forth music in genres like begin at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 30-31 at Hill and Album of the Year for his most soul, funk, jazz, electronic and spoken Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann recent release, “Southeastern.” The word. Through her 20-plus album Arbor. The Ark is located at 316 S. Main Wall Street Journal describes the artist, discography, the singer’s evolution St., Ann Arbor. For more information on who will be performing a duo acoustic of sound has never taken away from line-up and tickets, call 734-761-1800 or set at the festival, as “a composer of her prime objective: using her voice visit www.theark.org. www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 17 Cool Cities Ann Arbor YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . .
Advertise in the next Cool Cities Cameron Van Dyke’s “Zeppelin” car-bike hybrid TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 UM Student’s Innovative Car-Bike Hybrid Featured At Detroit Auto Show There were many new concept cars at The result is a retro-futuristic luxury vehicle. the North American International Auto “The Cyclone offers an idea for a future Show in Detroit this year, but none quite vehicle, but it also poses questions about like the Future Cycles vehicles built by the history of automobile culture itself, Cameron Van Dyke, a graduate student at the including its values and its priorities,” Van University of Michigan’s Penny W. Stamps Dyke said. School of Art & Design. The second smaller, lighter and more The MFA candidate’s design project was aerodynamic car, the “Zeppelin,” is a human completed as part of his master’s thesis and electric hybrid vehicle. It is powered by introduces a new transportation option to two riders in combination with a 750-watt American roads. The vehicles combine the electric rear motor, and achieves a cruising weather protection and carrying capacity of speed of 25 mph on flat ground. Constructed a car with the low energy usage of a bicycle of aluminum and polycarbonate, it weighs to create a “hybrid” vehicle – half car, half just 270 pounds, has a 20-mile electric range bicycle. and achieves 700 mpg equivalent. “These are concept cars in the true sense,” The Zeppelin meets the legal definition Van Dyke said. “They propose an alternative of a bicycle at the federal level and in many set of values in relation to transportation. states, making it street legal with no additional My hope is to get people to imagine new license, registration or insurance required. possibilities for the way we travel.” “The goal with the Zeppelin was to find an Van Dyke displayed two exquisitely made, ideal point for which a bicycle and car could human-powered vehicles at the Detroit auto coexist within the same object to create a truly show, each with a different focus. hybrid design,” Van Dyke said. The larger of the two, the “Cyclone,” is The Future Cycles project began in pedaled by two riders with the capacity for September 2012 when Dyke enrolled in the cargo and an additional two passengers. Stamps School of Art & Design to pursue a Constructed using boat-building techniques master of fine arts degree after operating his in combination with bicycle technology, it own furniture design studio for more than 16 features brushed aluminum details and an years. Van Dyke wanted to shift his design interior of fine leather and mahogany. The practice to something that was more focused design references the Model T in a mash-up on exploring alternative value systems related with, what Van Dyke calls, “iPod styling.” to housing and transportation.
18 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Cool Cities Ann Arbor
www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 19 Birmingham Restaurant Week (featured as one of Birmingham’s Neighborhoods pieces earlier this month in BTL) is still happening! Eat delicious menu items at discounted prices during Birmingham’s popular Restaurant Week event. Enjoy three-course lunches for $15 and three- course dinners for $30. Brand new this year, each time diners enjoy a Restaurant Week meal, they will have an opportunity to enter a raffle. The more times visitors dine, the more opportunities to win a prize. Following the Restaurant Week event, five lucky winners will receive gift cards to Birmingham restaurants. Birmingham Restaurant Week continues in various downtown Birmingham restaurants until Friday, Feb. 6. For more information, call 248-530-1200 or visit www.facebook.com/ EnjoyBirminghamNOW.
265-0740. [email protected] Re-imaging Gender 15 promising OUTINGS Olconline.org artists take on one of the thorniest challenges facing contemporary art: Friday, Jan. 30 TransPeace 7 p.m. Ruth Ellis Center, 77 how to render the modern spectrum of Victor St., Highland Park. 313-867- gender, going beyond the simple male/ Mini Farmers Market 11 a.m. 6932. Ruthelliscenter.org Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 female binary to include a wide variety Culver St., Saugatuck. 269-857-2399. Whole Lives, Healthy Lives Adult of identities and sexualities. University of Sc4a.org Support Group 7 p.m. This one-of-a- Michigan, Inst. for Research on Women kind program in Berrien County helps and Gender, 204 S. State St., Ann Arbor. attendees support each other in healthy 734-764-9537. schwarde@umich. Saturday, Jan. 31 ways through active listening and edu Irwg. research.umich.edu/events/ Coat Drive for The Women’s Center of caring feedback. OutCenter, 132 Water exhibitions. html Southeastern Michigan Customers are St., Benton Harbor. 269-925-8330. Free HIV Testing 2:30 p.m. Free encouraged to donate clean gently used Outcenter.org or new coats for women. Hats, gloves anonymous HIV testing in-store at S3 and scarves will also be accepted. J. Jill, every Thursday 2-8. Call to make an Ann Arbor. Womenscentersemi.org/ Tuesday, Feb. 3 appointment, or walk-ins welcome. LGBTQ+ Support Group 4 p.m. For S3 Safe Sex Store and HARC, 1209 S. Mt. Brighton Skiing & Snowboarding teens age 14-18. Call number for University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. 9 a.m. For beginners and experienced location. True Teen Group, East Lansing. [email protected] S3safesexstore.com alike. Ann Arbor LGBTQA Young 725-222-TRUE. [email protected] Professionals’ Social Meetup, 4141 Family & Friends 7 p.m. Topics vary Bauer Road, Brighton. Meetup. Talk Tuesdays 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 from month to month. This is a gathering com/Ann-Arbor-LGBTQA-Young- Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- of people who have family or friends Professionals-Social-Meetup/events/ 9733. e-kick.org who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or who are questioning Michigan Pride First Bowling Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. their sexual orientation or gender Tournament 1 p.m. Tickets: $15-25. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile identity. Join us as we offer support, Michigan Pride and Lansing Lesbians - Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. share our experiences, and learn about L2L, 4722 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing. Goaffirmations.org the issues impacting the LGBTQ and Meetup.com/Lansing-Lesbians-L2L allied community. The Jewish Gay Network of Michigan (JGN), 6600 W. LGBTQ-Friendly Yoga Class Just Wednesday, Feb. 4 Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248- B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. Trans & Gender Queer Group 12:30 432-5661. Jgnmi.org Justbyoga.com p.m. Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti. 734-487-4149. Emich.edu/ Ladies Night 10 p.m. Third Thursdays: KGLRC Winter Gala and Fundraiser lgbtrc For women who love women. Pronto Wonderful entertainment, fantastic food Video Bar, 608 S. Washington Ave., and cocktails as well as sought after Senior Koffee Klatch 1 p.m. A lively, Royal Oak. silent auction items from your favorite discussion and social group for LGBT local businesses. Tickets: $25-55. adults over 45. Group covers topics Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource pertaining to aging and outside Center, 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. speakers. Potluck dinners at members MUSIC & MORE Kglrc.org homes, lunches out and holiday parties. Meets ever Wednesday on the upper Classical level of the Affirmations building. Detroit Symphony Orchestra Sunday, Feb. 1 Senior Koffee Klatch, 290 W. Nine “Firebird!”. Max M. Fisher Music Center, Transitions 2 p.m. Free transgender Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 30 - support group. Transitions, 1055 E. South GoAffirmations.org Jan. 31. 313-576-5111. Dso.org Blvd., Rochester Hills. 586-838-0825. Sistrum Weekly Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Lansing Capital Roller Derby: Winter Sistrum, Lansing Women’s Chorus, 215 Comedy Boot Camp 3:30 p.m. Mitten Mavens, N. Capital Ave., Lansing. Sistrum.org Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase “Andy 7868 Old M-78, East Lansing . Pitz”. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 Mittenmavens.net Thursday, Feb. 5 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 29 - Jan. 31. 734-996-9080. Aacomedy.com Birmingham Restaurant Week Monday, Feb. 2 Birmingham Restaurant Week, New Member Night 7 p.m. Washtenaw Birmingham. Facebook.com/ Concerts County’s original mixed LGBT chorus. enjoybirminghamnow Blind Pig “The Whigs” 18+. Tickets: Opportunity to join LGBT chorus group. $10-12. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann No commitments, just see if we’re the CardioVista: Detroit Street Arbor. 9 p.m. Jan. 29. 734-996-8555. right group for you. All are welcome-- Photography 1 a.m. Featuring photos Blindpigmusic.com LGBT & allies. No sight reading skills or on LGBTQ culture in Detroit, the city and audition are required. Out Loud Chorus, more. University of Michigan-Dearborn, Blind Pig “Grizfolk” 18+. Tickets: 1400 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor. 734- Dearborn. Umd.umich.edu See Happenings, page 22
20 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Meghan Trainor, Belle and Sebastian
like a child / I was light as straw / And my father lifted me up then”). “Enter Sylvia Plath” sparkles with a Europop sheen that soars beyond the tortured soul of its namesake; is it suggesting that two-step has the power to release people from self-torment? Was ABBA all that Sylvia Plath needed to fend off her demons? Regardless, the song is a lively epic that fortifies the spirit. Said soul nurturing loops throughout the escapist vibes of “Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance,” as frontman Stuart Murdoch finally addresses their motive on Belle’s most quintessential track off the album, “Ever Had a Little Faith?,” a jangly little daydream. “Drop your sad pretense,” Murdoch orders. After this, you’ll be left with no other choice. Grade: B+ Also Out D’Angelo and the Vanguard, ‘Black Messiah’ He’s bared his body – who could forget the shot- Meghan Trainor, ‘Title’ Trainor sings, setting up the punch line. from-the-waist- up hotness in It’s true: We weren’t ready for this jelly. “Open doors for me and you might get some … kisses.” Ultimately, Trainor’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)?” – but But Meghan Trainor plopped her booty soul giant D’Angelo has even more to down anyway and made a seat for herself “Title” is girl-power that, uh, goes down easy. Grade: B show you: His whole soul. Throughout with “All About That Bass,” 2014’s his long-anticipated junior album, the doo-wop polemic that had her preaching polished, trend-bucking neo-R&B how all women are perfect “from “Black Messiah,” a shock drop that the bottom to the top.” In an image- Belle and Sebastian, ‘Girls arrives nearly 15 years after his iconic conscious industry built on supermodel in Peacetime chest-baring, he uncovers himself but ideals, releasing Trainor’s inner-beauty Want to Dance’ also a society in peril. “Black Messiah” declaration as the first single was as Arcade Fire got isn’t all about despair, however. From bold as it was controversial – a daring the memo a couple these spirited songs emerges a moving takedown of the same machine that’s years back when manifesto: the power to overcome. given her a place among her pop peers. they turned to the The radio behemoth is the launchpad romanticized sounds of ’70s-inspired for “Title,” a debut that’s as lovable as disco for “Reflektor.” Now, indie darlings Ella Henderson, Trainor’s own personal defiance. But Belle and Sebastian cut through the ‘Chapter One’ even though “Close Your Eyes” rides the “twee”-ness and start cutting the rug. Suffering from wave of body-positive anthems, “Title” Whatever led them to the glow of the AHS – Adele isn’t all Oprah-style self-helpisms. And disco ball, they’ve realized this: You, Hiatus Syndrome? thank god. It is, however, all about that everybody, the “girls in peacetime” – we A temporary cure bass. Sound-wise, there’s a lot of bump all just wanna dance. To shimmer their is upon us: Ella and thump among the bunch, and its sound, the Glaswegian sextet enlists Henderson, the UK blatant victory laps are no more obvious outside producer Ben H. Allen III, “X Factor” finalist, and fellow Brit, giving than with “Lips Are Moving,” which tries who swaps pastels for neons and Nick us all the Adele we need in the meantime. to sustain the glory of her breakthrough Drake for Giorgio Moroder, while still It is, perhaps, unfair to compare the single. Trainor fares better when she’s maintaining a navel-gazing melancholy songstresses, but their resemblance is listing off her lady needs in an open letter and overall hopefulness. The payoff is undeniable: Henderson, too, belts from called “Dear Future Husband,” a kitschy immediate, as the wistfully wonderful the depths of her soul, and “Chapter One,” girl-group-esque throwback with a bebop opener, “Nobody’s Empire,” is like her solid-if-predictable debut, is a reliable SHOP LGBT bounce and some saucy bon mots. “I’ll flipping through a photo album (“I was source of blazing ballads. be sleeping on the left side of the bed,” www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 21 Shakespearean play, there is madness Puzzle solution on pg. 26 here for all tastes. CLICK HERE for complete show information. Tickets: Spandau Ballet comes to Detroit this week $10-30. Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. Through Jan. 31. 313-577- on their first North American tour in nearly 2972. hilberry.com three decades. All five original members All’s Well That Ends Well Pigeon – Tony Hadley, John Keeble, Gary Kemp, Creek Shakespeare Company, Beardsley Theater, 425 W. Western Ave., Martin Kemp and Steve Norman – will Muskegon. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31. 231-727- once again captivate fans on this long- 8001. Starticketsplus.com awaited and long overdue return. The band Becoming Dr. Ruth Everyone knows will play suchs hits as “True, “Gold,” “To Dr. Ruth Westheimer from her career as a pioneering radio and television sex Cut A Long Story Short” and more. therapist, but few know the incredible journey that preceded it.. The Jewish “We are over the moon at rediscovering Ensemble Theatre Company (JET), our friendship and are really looking forward to playing live in the US again,” said Tony Jewish Ensemble Theatre, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Feb. 4 - Hadley. “Playing live is what we do best! The shows will have all the hits and more.” Feb. 15. 248-788-2900. Jettheatre.org The group will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Detroit Masonic Temple Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! Theater. The Masonic Temple Theater is located at 500 Temple St., Detroit. Tickets start at Fridays open at 8 p.m. with a different program each week ($18), while $39.50. For more information, call 313-832-7100 or visit www.spandauballet.com. “The Go Comedy! All Star Showdown continues to open Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($18). Following at 10 p.m. each night is Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway by a cast of talented Arbor Opera “The Go Comedy! All Star Showdown” ® St., Detroit. 5 p.m. Jan. 31. 313-638- Theater performers. Directed by Shawn ($18) and at midnight by “Name This Happenings 2192. Artlabj.com McDonald. These two performances Show” (free). CLICK HERE for complete Continued from p. 20 are presented in collaboration with show information.. Go Comedy! Improv Ruhala Performing Arts Center “Reiki and supported by the EMU Music Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. for Teens” Fee: $120. Ruhala Performing Department. Tickets are $8-12. Arbor Through Jan. 31. 248-327-0575. Arts Center, 1846 Haslett Road, East $10-12. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Opera Theater, Alexander Recital Hall, gocomedy.net Lansing. Jan. 28 - March 25. 517-337- Arbor. 8 p.m. Feb. 2. 734-996-8555. N101 Alexander Music Building Eastern 0464. Ruhalacenter.com Blindpigmusic.com Michigan University, Ypsilanti. 8 p.m. Once An Irish musician and a Czech immigrant are drawn together by Ruhala Performing Arts Center “Reiki Jan. 29. 734-332-9063. Arboropera. Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Kenny their shared love of music. Fisher for Kids” Ages 6-12. Ruhala Performing com/season-and-tickets/master-class/ Garrett” Tickets: $15+. Max M. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Arts Center, 1846 Haslett Road, East Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Theatre2Film Project: Three Hundred Feb. 3 - Feb. 15. 313-872-1000. Lansing. Jan. 29 - March 26. 517-337- Detroit. 8 p.m. Jan. 30. 313-576-5111. and Thirteen Possibilities Tickets: Broadwayindetroit.com 0464. Ruhalacenter.com Dso.org $10. Department of Theatre at Michigan Pippin Tickets: $34+. Wharton Center, Trinity Divine Healing “Health & State University, MSU Auditorium, 542 Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Sphinx Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, Wellness Classes” Cost: $5-10. Grace Auditorium Road, East Lansing. Jan. Finals Concert” Max M. Fisher Music Michigan State University, 750 E. Shaw is Sufficient Ministries Neighborhood 30 - Feb. 8. 1-800-WHARTON. Theatre. Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 2 Lane, East Lansing. Jan. 27 - Feb. 1. Center, 13345 Joy Road, Detroit. Jan. msu.edu p.m. Feb. 1. 313-576-5111. Dso.org 800-WHARTON. Whartoncenter.com 12 - May 30. 313-451-2472. Detroit Symphony Orchestra “DSO Civic/Community Theater Sesame Street Live: Make a Paradise Jazz Series: Kenny Garrett” New Friend Tickets: $15-35. Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Be Awesome! A Variety Show Tickets: THEATER $5. DYPAC, Trenton Village Theatre, 2447 Olympia Entertainment, Fox Theatre, Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 30. 313- 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 576-5111. Dso.org BARE: a Pop Opera Tickets: $15. W. Jefferson, Trenton. Jan. 30 - Jan. 31. Monsterbox Theatre, 2529 Elizabeth 734-771-7948. Dypac.com Through Feb. 16. 313-471-6611. Michigan Theater “Noir Film Series” Lake Road, Waterford. Jan. 30 - Jan. 31. Olympiaentertainment.com Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann 248-787-5365. Monsterboxtheatre.com Dirty Work at the Cross Roads Tickets: $5-17. Richmond Community Snow Queen PuppetART’s production Arbor. Jan. 12 - April 27. 734-668-8397. of the classic tale uses a remarkable Michtheater.org Cain’s Row Tickets: $8-12. Matrix Theatre, 69619 Parker St., Richmond. Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, Jan. 30 - Feb. 15. 586-727-9518. variety of techniques and effects in its The Crofoot “Spandau Ballet”. Jack Detroit. Through Feb. 1. 313-967-0999. Richmondtheatre.com telling of the tale, including marionettes, White Theatre inside the Masonic Matrixtheatre.org rod puppets, hand puppets, projections Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit. Jan. 31. Jekyll & Hyde the Musical Murder and costumes that double as scenery. Themasonic.com Fiddler on the Roof The story of and chaos are pitted against love and CLICK HERE for complete show Tevye, the father of five daughters, and virtue in the musical Gothic masterpiece. information. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 University of Michigan “Chiara String his attempts to maintain his Jewish Tickets: $20-24. Stagecrafters, Baldwin children. PuppetART, Detroit Puppet Quartet” Free and open to the public. religious and cultural traditions, as Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Theater, 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit. Britton Recital Hall, 1100 Baits Drive, outside influences encroach upon his Oak. Through Feb. 1. 248-541-6430. Through Jan. 31. 313-961-7777. Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Jan. 30. familys lives. He must cope both with stagecrafters.org puppetart.org the strong-willed actions of his three Unlimited Sky Production older daughters who wish to marry for Little Women - The Broadway Musical Steel Magnolias The Purple Rose “Wednesday Night Jazz & Soul Music love and the edict of the Tsar that evicts Tickets: $24. Grosse Pointe Theatre, Theatre Company, Purple Rose Theatre, Series” Every Wednesday Night Jazz the Jews from their village. Tickets: $17. Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries 137 Park St., Chelsea. Through March & Soul Music Series featuring dome of Forever After Productions, The Village Auditorium, 32 Lakeshore Road, Grosse 14. 734-433-7673. Purplerosetheatre. the best live music in MichiganCover: Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Pointe Farms. Through Jan. 31. 313- org $5. Harbor House, 440 Clinton, Detroit. Road, Canton. Jan. 30 - Feb. 8. 734- 881-4004. Gpt.org Jan. 21 - June 24. 3139679900. Sweat Pea’s Mama A timely story 547-5156. Iheartforeverafter.com Harborhousemi.com Or You Could Kiss Me Set in the winter that puts racial indignity and mental Guys On Ice Suitable for the whole of 2036 in a shabby apartment in the challenge in striking juxtaposition. Dance family, the play follows the exploits of South African seaside town of Port The effect is both disturbing and Lloyd and his best friend Marvin in their Elizabeth, two old men search for a way enlightening. Tickets: $17-20. Detroit Detroit Opera House “The Light Show” shanty on Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin. to say goodbye after a lifetime spent Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Tickets: $25-83. Detroit Opera House, Tickets: $22-32. Encore, Encore Musical together. Tickets: $10-15.. Peppermint Wilson, Detroit. Through March 15. 313- 1526 Broadway St., Detroit. 7:30 p.m. Theater Company, 3126 Broad St., Creek Theatre, Miller Performing Arts 868-1347. detroitreptheatre.com Jan. 31. 313-237-SING. Motopera.org Dexter. Jan. 29 - Feb. 22. 734-268- Center, 6025 Curry Lane, Lansing. Through Feb. 1. Peppermintcreek.org The Boys in the Band Premiering Detroit Opera House “Moving with 6200. Theencoretheatre.org a year before the Stonewall riots Detroit”. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Master Class Tickets: $8-12. Arbor tick... tick... Boom From the author cemented the gay rights movement, Broadway St., Detroit. 5 p.m. Jan. 31. Opera Theater, N101 Alexander Music of RENT comes an autobiographical Mart Crowley’s landmark play was 313-237-SING. Motopera.org Building, Eastern Michigan University, musical about the courage it takes to the first time that gay men had been Ypsilanti. Jan. 29 - Jan. 31. follow your dreams. Jonathan, on the portrayed realistically onstage. Tickets: Festivals brink of oblivion, questions his life, his $10-20. The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Tickets: $17-20. Ford Motor Company Fund “38th Ann Sweet Pea’s Mama loves and his commitment in this rock Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Through Feb. Arbor Folk Festival” Fundraiser for The Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 musical that recalls Jonathan’s journey 2. 248-545-5545. theringwald.com Ark. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Through March to write the Great American Musical. 15. 313-868-1347. Detroitreptheatre. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, A2CT Studio Things My Mother Taught Me See Ave., Ann Arbor. Jan. 30 - Jan. 31. 734- what can happen when a whole lot 761-1800. Theark.org com Theatre, 322 W. Ann St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 30 - Feb. 8. 734-971-2228. A2ct.org of love comes together in a small Terrence McNallys Master Class apartment. Tickets: $26-41. Meadow Terrence McNallys Tony-award-winning Other Professional Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, ARTLAB J and the Detroit Opera play about the great opera diva Maria Rochester. Through Feb. 1. 248-377- House “Moving with Detroit Making Callas is considered a masterpiece of All in the Timing From a blind date 3300. mbtheatre.com Connections through Movement” Detroit 20th century theater. Carla Margolis will that resets at the ring of a bell to three dance discussion and networking event. play Maria Callas, and will be supported chimpanzees writing the first draft of a Continued on next page
22 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Thursdays at Go Comedy! The Center, 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Walk-In Portrait Studio by Corne of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Pewabic Pottery “Ware Wolves in Saugatuck Center for the Arts evening opens at 8 p.m. with a different Jan. 12 - March 9. 734-994-8004. Vermeulen”. Detroit Institute of Arts, Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 25 - May Sheep’s Clothing”. Pewabic Pottery, “Permeated Surfaces” Original works program each week ($10), plus Annarborartcenter.org 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 1 - 24. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit. from three Chicago based artists. additional programs throughout the May 17. 313-833-7900. Dia.org Jan. 23 - March 29. 313-626-2000. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 night ($5-10). CLICK HERE for complete Cranbrook Art Museum “The MOCAD “Detroit City: Detroit Affinities” Pewabic.org Culver St., Saugatuck. Dec. 12 - Feb. 6. show information.. Go Comedy! Improv Cranbrook Hall of Wonders: Artworks, Downriver Council for the Arts “A Detroit: Affinities, Speaks and Stages. 269-857-2399. Sc4a.org Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. Objects and Natural Curiosities”. Through Jan. 29. 248-327-0575. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 South Oakland Art Association gocomedy.net Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. “Presentation by Bruce Griffin Freelance Nov. 23 - March 22. 877-462-7262. Photographer”. Paint Party Royal Oak, Tongues A dark farce exploring Cranbrook.edu 2554 Crooks Road, Royal Oak. 7 p.m. three socially taboo relationships, this Feb. 2. Paintpartyroyaloak.com new play by Bailey Boudreau takes Cranbrook Art Museum “Theater uncouth to the next level. Tickets: $10. of the Mind”. Cranbrook Art Museum, It’s not too early to start planning for Valentine’s Sphinxcon “Sphinxcon” The power of Slipstream Theatre Initiative, Upstairs at 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. Day, especially when those plans benefit a diversity through arts. Tickets: $35+. Nov. 23 - March 29. 877-462-7262. Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Checkers Pub and Grille, 124 Cadillac good cause. Ozone House is hosting its second Square, Detroit. Through Jan. 28. 248- Cranbrook.edu Washington Blvd., Detroit. Jan. 30 - Feb. 1. Sphinxcon.org 298-9617. slipstreamti.com Cranbrook Art Museum “Cranbrook annual event, “Home Sweet Home: An Evening Wednesdays at Go Comedy! The night Goes to the Movies: Films and Their of Wine, Cheese and Chocolate to End LGBT The Scarab Club “the MUNDANE begins at 8 p.m. with the “ITTY BITS Objects, 1925-1975”. Cranbrook Art Youth Homelessness,” this February. show”. The Scarab Club, 217 Tournament” ($10), followed at 9 p.m. Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Farnsworth, Detroit. Jan. 1 - Feb. 14. by “Go Labs: Beta Testing” ($7) and at Bloomfield Hills. June 21 - Feb. 28. 877- Attendees of the event can partake in 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org 462-7262. Cranbrookart.edu 10 p.m. “StandProv” ($5). CLICK HERE an exclusive wine tasting chosen by the UMMA “Medicinal Plants and Gardens: for complete show information.. Go Cranbrook Art Museum “Warhol On The Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Vinyl: The Record Covers, 1949-1987+” sommeliers at Vinology. Edibles include Nichols Arboretum”. University Of Mile Rd., Ferndale. Through Jan. 28. Drawing from the world’s preeminent delectable chocolate confections, expertly Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State 248-327-0575. gocomedy.net collection of record covers by Andy chosen cheeses and more. All guests will St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 25 - May 3. 734- Yellowman A two-person multi- Warhol, this exhibition showcases 763-4186. Umma.umich.edu character drama about an African- how Warhol used the record cover also have a chance to purchase Judy Shepard’s book, “Kicked Out,” bid on youth designed as a means to popularize his name UMMA “Suspended Moments: American woman who dreams of life work and even meet Ozone House staff. Photographs from the David S. Rosen beyond the confines of her small town and directly impact popular culture. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Collection”. University Of Michigan South Carolina upbringing and the light Ozone House’s event will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Vinology in Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann skinned AfricanAmerican man whose Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. June 21 - Feb. 28. 877-462-7262. downtown Ann Arbor. Tickets are $75, and all proceeds benefit Ozone House. For more Arbor. Jan. 1 - Feb. 15. 734-763-4186. fate is tragically intertwined with hers. Umma.umich.edu Tickets: $25-41. Performance Network, Cranbrookart.edu information, visit www.ozonehouse.org/home. Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Detroit Artists Market (DAM) “It’s Like UMMA “Guido van der Werve: Nummer Huron St., Ann Arbor. Through Feb. 15. Toys In Here” Three generations serious veertien, home”. University Of Michigan 734-663-0681. Pntheatre.org about play. Detroit Artists Market, 4719 Museum Of Art, 525 S. State St., Ann Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 16 - Feb. Arbor. Jan. 1 - April 26. 734-763-4186. 14. 313-832-8540. Detroitartistsmarket. Light Within the Darkness”. Downriver Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Public Pool Art Space “Picnics in the Umma.umich.edu ART ‘N’ AROUND org Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Sep. 12 - Polar Vortex” An exhibition and series of Wyandotte. Jan. 22 - Feb. 13. 734-720- Jan. 31. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org events which showcase the collective UMMA “Flip Your Field: Objects from Ann Arbor Art Center “Drawing with DIA “Ordinary People by Extraordinary 0671. Downriverarts.org wandering and inspired observations the Collection” An exhibition from color” 18+. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Artists: Works on Paper by Degas, Renoir N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art of Picnic Club Detroit. Public Pool Art the Museum’s collection of three- Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 12 - March 9. and Friends”. Detroit Institute of Arts, MOCAD “Radical Scavengers: the “Michael Luchs, Christine Hagedorn Space, 3309 Caniff, Hamtramck. Jan. dimensional objects. University Of 734-994-8004. Annarborartcenter.org 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Jan. 1 - MOCAD Quilting Bee Project” This winter and Anita Bates”. N’Namdi Center for 10 - Feb. 21. 313-587-9572. publicpool. Michigan Museum Of Art, 525 S. State March 29. 313-833-7900. Dia.org the Mobile Homestead space transforms Contemporary Art, 52 E. Forest, Detroit. tumblr.com/ St., Ann Arbor. Jan. 24 - June 30. 734- Ann Arbor Art Center “Developing into a contemporary quilt making Jan. 16 - March 14. 763-4186. Umma.umich.edu Your Artistic Voice”. Ann Arbor Art DIA “Photographs from the Detroit workshop for the community. Museum
www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 23 24 BTL | Jan. 29, 2015 www.PrideSource.com Deep Inside Hollywood
BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Thanks for the ‘Wet Hot American’ sitcom, Netflix In 2001’s absurdist, summer-camp-themed cult comedy “Wet Hot American Summer,” the counselors – a huge cast of future stars – vow to reunite in 10 years. And because math is hard, 13 years later that’s what’s about to happen. Netflix has been developing a sitcom based on the film for a while now, but the cast is reportedly set and shooting has begun. Original co-writers David Wain and Michael Showalter (with Wain directing) are back on board, as is most of the original cast. And what a cast: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Amy Poehler, H. Jon Benjamin, Judah Friedlander, Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Chris Meloni, Molly Shannon, and the gay makeout team of Michael Ian Black and Bradley Cooper. Apparently the show is meant to be a prequel, which would mean that Photo: Bradley Cooper the middle-age adults would play teenagers, and frankly that fits the tone of “WHAS” perfectly. Todd” and “Company” by placing musical Anyway, at this rate, we probably won’t see the instruments in the hands of the actors, so he’s show until later this year. Or maybe next summer. not afraid to take chances. They’re trying to get But we’re ready now, Netflix. We’ve been ready. Erivo to come over to resume her role as Celie, Don’t keep us waiting forever. and there’s already a name-recognized Shug Avery waiting in the wings: Jennifer Hudson. Magneto the Man-Servant The Academy Award winner will make her New York stage debut in the role, proving the physical Playwright Ronald Harwood’s 1980 play law that states that no matter what happens to “The Dresser” is about the gay personal valet to you after “American Idol,” eventually you will an aging stage actor during The Blitz in World do Broadway. When do the tickets go on sale? War II-era England, and it encompasses the comedic and tragic aspects of staying devoted to an imperious diva. In 1983 it became an ‘Downsizing’ is the new acclaimed film starring Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay, but in recent years has become a bit of supersizing an obscurity outside its home country. This looks Gone, it seems, are the days when big studios to change when the BBC partners with Starz to were interested in funding projects written produce a new TV adaptation starring Anthony by Academy Award-winning filmmakers and Romeo San Vicente does not understand Hopkins as the actor and everyone’s favorite gay starring A-list actors. How else to explain why anyone would want to shrink any part wizard and X-Man, Ian McKellen, as the dresser. the hardship of financing Alexander Payne’s of themselves. He can be reached care of this The film is due to air at an unspecified later date, (“The Descendants,” “Nebraska”) latest film, publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@ which gives you plenty of time to hunt down the “Downsizing”? It does, after all, star Reese 1983 version and catch up. Look, sometimes Witherspoon, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin, Neil qsyndicate.com. culture is a homework assignment. Patrick Harris and Jason Sudeikis. So what’s the deal? That’s a rhetorical question, by the way. The answer would take all day and involve J-Hud will kiss a girl eight superheroes. But no matter, art has a patron in times a week lesbian super-producer Megan Ellison and her respected Annapurna brand. The company has They’re already reviving “The Color Purple” stepped in to keep the project going and that’s on Broadway. And this makes sense, really. The good news for everyone. The futuristic satire, crowd-pleasing musical already tours the country about a family struggling to make ends meet, regularly to appreciative audiences, especially involves the father deciding to shrink himself to when Fantasia Barrino resumes her role as Celie minimize his use of expensive resources. That and shakes the rafters with her big gospel voice. this possibly bears any resemblance to “Honey, But in its most recent engagement in London’s I Shrunk The Kids” and, more pointedly, its West End, director John Doyle revamped the 1997 sequel, “Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves,” show, cutting it down to a leaner, more intimate will be entirely coincidental when the finished experience and wowing crowds with actress film arrives in theaters. We think. Once Damon Cynthia Erivo’s critically-acclaimed performance. finishes his new Bourne movie, this one will get Doyle is also the man who revived “Sweeney moving for a 2017 release. www.PrideSource.com Jan. 29, 2015 | BTL 25 34 Asian inland sea character Q Puzzle 35 Thurman of “Even Cowgirls Get the 10 Moby Dick chaser Blues” 11 Comfort in sorrow Ecce Homophobe 36 Mandy Patinkin’s “Evita” role 12 Don of “Cocoon” 37 “Duck Dynasty” homophobe 13 Watch like a voyeur 42 ___ kwon do 21 Like R-rated-film audiences 43 Type of toy 22 Shakespearean’s “Twelfth ___ “ 44 Coal porter’s vehicle? 23 Top-secret org. 46 Has more than a one-night stand 24 He shot off at O.K. Corral 49 Revealing fashion 25 Not so exciting 50 Verdi slave girl 30 First in a Latin threesome 51 Billy Budd, for one 31 Steven Greenberg, for one 52 Word in Brazilian place names 33 Milieu of Stephan Pyles 54 Chewy candy 36 “For ___ out loud!” 56 Anti-family homophobe with 19 kids 38 Wonder Woman weapon 60 Artist Catherine 39 Forever and a day 61 “Perry Mason” star Raymond 40 First ed. 62 Perineum, in slang 41 Lorca’s zip 66 Asshole 45 Where wrestlers lie together 67 Non-speaking part in “Born Free” 46 Next step for Elton after knighthood? 68 Come after 47 City where you can “Taiwan” on? 69 Lammy award winner Donnelly 48 Risk adversaries 70 Votes of approval 49 Vehicle for a moonshot 71 Bear 53 “The Sound of Music” setting 55 One of the “Maneater” singers Down 57 “Ed Wood” role 58 Bear that roams the night 1 Homophobe attorney general of 59 End of a favorite holiday Florida 63 Stein words that pop up between Across 18 Where to find a top on the level 2 USPS beat roses? 19 Protected, to seamen 3 “Got a Rainbow” lyricist Gershwin 64 “Sister Act” extra 1 Rainbow maker 20 Homophobe Kansas governor 4 Characteristic of Mapplethorpe’s 65 Homophobe senator Cruz 6 Drag queen Justin photos 23 Award for Ursula LeGuin 10 Lickety-split 26 He made boxers more visible 5 Rock music subgenre 14 Kilmer simile phrase 27 When repeated, a dance 6 Flop on Broadway 15 Locker room emanation 28 Room for Marga Gomez 7 River of Ulrichs’ country 16 Gore Vidal work, with “At” 29 Waterproof cover 8 “You’re out of luck” 17 Had in mind 32 Say hi to 9 T alk like a Tennessee Williams Solution on pg. 22 Classifieds 428 PROF. 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